The rise of —specialists who undergo years of additional training in ethology and pharmacology—marks a milestone in the industry. These professionals treat complex disorders such as:
Horses are flight animals. A horse showing "barn sour" behavior (refusing to leave the stable) might be labeled stubborn. However, an equine veterinarian trained in behavior knows that gastric ulcers or kissing spines (spinal impingement) make the horse anticipate pain on the trail. Treat the ulcers; the behavior resolves.
The integration of represents a maturation of the profession. We have moved from seeing animals as biological machines to recognizing them as sentient beings with complex emotional lives. By listening to what their behavior tells us—the twitch of a tail, the tuck of a lip, the sudden avoidance of a favorite chair—we unlock a deeper level of healing.
By using a combination of behavior modification protocols and, when necessary, psychotropic medications, veterinary science can save animals that might otherwise be surrendered or euthanized due to "behavioral problems." Low-Stress Handling and the "Fear-Free" Movement